[Desert Roses 03] - Beneath A Harvest Sky (15 page)
Phillip willingly stepped aside while Rainy allowed Duncan to lead her away from the group. “What’s wrong?” she questioned.
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing,” he said rather sheepishly.
Rainy laughed. “I’m sorry, Duncan. I didn’t think.
This is a rather special tour. Maria will have us busy for about thirty minutes. She’s going to show them all about the weaving they do and then take them to another couple of weavers. After that the tour group will be ready to leave for Puye.”
“Oh, I see.” He glanced up the street toward a small adobe chapel. “Are we free to explore, then, or do you need to remain with the group?” Since Rainy and Sonny were the ones under suspicion, maybe he would just remain at Rainy’s side and see what happened.
Rainy smiled. “I see you’ve spotted Santuario.
Come on. Let’s walk over. They usually have someone to give a tour and tell about the church.”
Duncan smiled. “I’d like that.”
“The ground where the church is built is said to be endowed with healing powers. People come and dig up bits of it for a kind of tea they make. It’s amazing. They sometimes even take dirt to use as a charm to keep them safe from harm.”
“I suppose we’ve both seen a great deal of superstition among the Indians and Mexicans in the area. I have to say that sometimes the cures seem worse than the curse they fear.”
“As in drinking dirt tea?” Rainy asked.
Duncan laughed. “Exactly.”
Santuario offered them shelter from the brilliance of the sun. Inside the air was cooler and the silence heavy.
“Welcome,” an old man said in greeting. Duncan noticed his weathered brown face and toothless smile.
“We’ve come to see the church,” Rainy explained.
“
Si
, it is good that you do. This church was built by my ancestor Bernardo Abeyta. He was a poor farmer who had a vision to dig in the earth for his reward. As he dug here, he found a wooden cross and pieces of cloth that belonged to two martyred priests.”
Duncan noted the wall niches where unusual native wood carvings made decorative offerings from artists now long gone. Below these and lining the walls on either side of the chapel were crutches and braces, cast off as proof of the healing powers of the church.
The man showed them around, talked of the miracles he’d seen, and then suggested a small offering might be in order to help with the maintenance of the shrine. Rainy produced some change and Duncan followed suit. The old man rewarded them with a gummy smile and thanked them profusely for their generosity.
“We need to get back to the car,” Rainy said, noting the time. “They should be returning in about five minutes.”
Duncan couldn’t believe how quickly the time had passed. “I really enjoyed that,” he told Rainy as they made their way back.
“This part of the country is so full of history and interesting stories. I can’t imagine ever leaving it—at least not for a long period of time.”
Duncan wanted to comment about Phillip Vance’s interests and how she would have to leave the Southwest if she followed after him. But he didn’t. Rainy was a smart woman; no doubt she had considered all of those details.
The passengers returned with their purchases, and Duncan had to admit to being surprised by the stacks of blankets purchased by Jennetta Blythe. He raised a brow in question, but she refused to make so much as a single comment. Instead, she thrust the pile into his arms and walked away. Duncan didn’t like the feeling of being dismissed, but he said nothing and worked to pack the blankets in the storage area of the touring car.
Once they were all back in the car, Jennetta made an announcement. “We’ve talked among ourselves and have decided that rather than stopping in Puye, we’d like to go straight to Taos.”
Duncan looked to Rainy, wondering what her response to this would be. Rainy didn’t seem in the leastwise disturbed by this announcement.
“Since this is a custom tour and you are all in agreement, we’ll proceed for Taos. Of course, we would have taken lunch at Puye.”
“It’s of no concern. We’ll eat a late lunch in Taos,” Jennetta replied.
Rainy turned. “And you are all in agreement about this?”
Duncan heard murmurs of affirmation. Rainy turned to him. “Let’s go.”
Heavy clouds were moving in by the time Duncan pulled up to the Don Fernando Hotel in Taos. The adobe structure seemed something of familiar territory to the group as they commented about one thing or another. He pulled to the front of the hotel and looked to Rainy once again for instruction.
“In a moment you may make your way inside. I’ll go ahead and see to your reser vations,” Rainy instructed. She opened her door and began to step out. “Oh, and one more thing.” She paused and looked back over her shoulder. “I’ll speak to the manager and arrange lunch. Shall we say in half an hour?”
Again the murmurs of affirmation were thrown out between animated female chatter. Phillip Vance had been surprisingly silent, but Duncan had no doubt that would change.
Duncan made his way around the car as Rainy entered the hotel. He opened the door and helped the ladies once again from the Cadillac, remembering this time to smile and make pleasant small talk as he’d seen Sonny do.
Phillip was the last to depart from the car. He stepped from the vehicle and yawned. “Just in time for a siesta,” he said, smiling at Duncan.
Duncan had to admit a nap sounded like a wonderful idea, but he said nothing. He wondered instead what Rainy planned to do with her free time. Duncan’s first choice would be to make his way to his parents’ house and enjoy spending as much time as possible with them. But what of Rainy? If she were involved in some sort of thieving, he would be giving her all kinds of extra time to plot and consort. He was torn about what to do.
He began unloading the luggage and his heart grew heavy.
What if she is the guilty party? Just the idea of
worrying about what she’ll do with her free time must suggest
that deep down inside I question her innocence
.
He hated the thought. He didn’t want to believe Rainy capable of any wrongdoing. She always seemed so positive—so honest. Still, the words of the law officials rang loud and clear.
“Rainy and Sonny Gordon are
the only ones who have been consistently available when
objects of value have disappeared from various sites. We’d like
to catch them in the act, however, and see if others are
involved.”
Taos was full of priceless pieces: artwork, Indian crafts, church icons. Duncan knew the possibilities were limitless.
“Well, we have lunch arranged,” Rainy said as she came around the car to join Duncan. “And here’s a list of the room numbers and where each person is supposed to stay. They’re a bit shorthanded right now, so I’ll help you get the luggage up to the rooms.”
“No, that’s all right. I’ll carr y it myself. You’ve worked hard enough today.”
She opened her mouth to reply, but it was then that Phillip Vance made an unwelcome entry. “Rainy, we’re getting together tonight for a marvelous party.
One of Jennetta’s friends is throwing it. He lives just a short distance from here. I’d like for you to join us.”
Rainy looked to Duncan and he wanted very badly to advise her against it. Instead, he diverted his attention to the luggage and tried not to play eavesdropper.
“I’m sorry, Phillip. I really must decline. I’m tired, and tomorrow I’m to lead you and some of the others on a tour of Taos. I need my rest.”
“But I promise to bring you back in plenty of time for a good night’s sleep.”
Duncan placed two bags directly in front of Phillip. Any closer and they’d be on the movie star’s toes. Phillip stepped back a pace but said nothing.
“I can’t go with you, Phillip,” Rainy said. “Thank you for the invitation, but perhaps another time.”
Phillip’s expression was one of pure disappointment. Duncan wondered if he were merely acting or if his feelings for Rainy were such that he was truly devastated by her answer. Duncan had a hard time believing the man was capable of true feelings and decided it was all a show. He waited, however, until Phillip went inside the hotel before commenting to Rainy.
“The man is really good at what he does.”
Rainy looked up, her expression betraying her confusion. “What do you mean?”
“I think he performs the part of wounded suitor,” Duncan replied with a shrug. “I just think he’s acting when it comes to the way he treats you.”
“I take it Sonny asked you to look out for me,” Rainy said, sounding slightly offended. “Well, you can tell him for me that I’m a grown woman and know very well how to take care of myself.”
Duncan realized they were heading into dangerous waters and held up his hands in truce. “I don’t want to fight with you. In fact, I was kind of hoping you’d agree to meet me later tonight. I’m going to go visit my parents for a time when I finish up here, but I’d like to have some time to talk with you. There are some things I need to tell you.”
Rainy arched her brow. “Such as?”
“Not now. There are far too many details. Why don’t we just say eight o’clock at the Plaza?”
“All right, if it’s that important.” Her expression remained doubtful.
“It is,” Duncan promised. He had been given permission to leak a certain amount of information to Rainy. The plan was to feed her the information and see what her response might be. He hated the deception but knew of no other way to test the situation.
“Eight o’clock at the Plaza,” Rainy repeated. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
Duncan nodded. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.
And thanks, too, for the lovely day. I enjoyed our time at the church. It was a right bonny kirk,” he said, exaggerating his Scottish burr.
Rainy turned to go and laughed. “Aye, ’twas indeed.”
He watched her walk away. “And a right bonny lass to keep me company,” he murmured.
She can’t be
guilty,
he told himself.
She just can’t be guilty
.
R
ainy walked along the Plaza corridors, enjoying the crisp cool air. There was a bit of a bite to the wind, but she hardly minded it. The smell of pine filtered down from the trees, along with the undeniable aroma of woodsmoke. It would be a perfect night to curl up in front of a fire and read a book. Even better to share that spot with someone she loved. Her thoughts went immediately to Duncan. Did she love him? Or did she just love the idea of being in love? It was a question that came back to her over and over.
Surely this longing in my heart isn’t just my own doing,
she reasoned.
God must have put the desire there—otherwise
I would go on being content to be single, just as I have
been up until now
. But love? What did she know of love?
She knew she loved her mother and father and Sonny too. She knew she’d give her life for them, just as the Bible said: “ ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ ” The fifteenth chapter of John had always been one of Rainy’s favorites, but that thirteenth verse in particular touched her deeply. She loved her family and they were indeed her friends. Duncan Hartford made her feel weak in the knees and giddy, but so did Phillip Vance. But Phillip didn’t love God and Duncan did. That fact, in and of itself, seemed to make the choice clear.
But Duncan hasn’t shown any real interest in having us
be anything more than friends. Surely he would have mentioned
something—something to state his position if he felt
that we should be more than co-workers and acquaintances
.
Scanning the small adobe-lined square for any sign of Duncan, Rainy couldn’t help but wonder why he’d asked to meet her here. Her mind, already cluttered with the confusion of her own thoughts regarding husbands and romance, refused to sort through any additional details. Even at supper she’d been a poor companion to those around her.
She’d wondered about Phillip and the party he’d invited her to. She’d observed the group departing for the gala and marveled at the finery and expense of their clothing. Phillip looked dazzling in his black tuxedo. He’d slicked back his blond hair, leaving only the slightest hint of a side part. His blue eyes were sparkling in the candlelight as he glanced across the room and caught sight of her. He had started to walk toward her table when Jennetta and a friend of hers named Sylvia latched on to him and practically dragged him out the front door of the Don Fernando Hotel.